Fifteen people were arrested in downtown Simcoe this week during a major drug sweep.The arrests began when the Norfolk OPP, the Norfolk-Haldimand Community Street Crime Unit, the OPP Emergency Response Team and the OPP canine unit executed a search warrant at a home on Victoria Street Thursday.During the operation, police seized cash and narcotics, including fentanyl.Six of the people taken into custody were charged.A 65-year-old Norfolk woman was charged with possession of fentantyl for the purposes of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purposes of trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking, and failure to comply with terms of a recognizance.A 32-year-old man was charged with possession of fentanyl for the purposes of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purposes of trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime worth less than $5,000, and failure to comply with a probation order.A 34-year-old Norfolk man has been charged with possession of fentanyl for the purposes of trafficking, possession of methamphetamine for the purposes of trafficking, possession of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking, and failure to comply with the terms of a recognizance.A 22-year-old Norfolk man was charged with possession of methamphetamine.A 39-year-old Haldimand man has been charged with possession of cocaine and three counts of failing to comply with a probation order.A 24-year-old Norfolk man has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime worth less than $5,000.“Our Community Street Crime Unit has been very effective with proactive illicit drug investigations,” Insp. Joe Varga, head of the Norfolk OPP, said Friday in a news release.“This is yet another example that highlights the need for the police and the community to work in partnership to resolve crime. People who distribute illicit drugs and are involved in criminal activity know the police are watching, but if we create a community where these people know everyone is watching and reporting, that will promote safer communities within our county.”The accused will answer the charges at a later date in the Ontario Court of Justice at the Norfolk County Courthouse in Simcoe.Crime Stoppers of Haldimand and Norfolk launched a two-month program Friday focussing on criminals who traffic in fentanyl and other potentially fatal narcotics.Crime Stoppers is prepared to pay $1,000 for tips leading to the seizure of significant quantities of synthetic opioids or the arrest of individuals who are ultimately charged with trafficking in these substances.Information in this area can be shared with the Norfolk OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Tips can also be shared with the local Crime Stoppers unit at 1-800-222-8477.Callers to Crime Stoppers do not identify themselves, do not speak to a police officer and do not testify in court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display.MSonnenberg@postmedia.comread more